Huge masks, over-decorated costumes and heavy accessories altogether made the splendid performance presented by Ranga Sri little Ballet Troupe. The troupe presented its mythological production ‘Ramayana’ here on Wednesday.
Notably, to observe its 60th anniversary troupe presented wondrous stage performances before the audience that began here from Sunday. On the concluding day, the troupe gave a splendid performance by staging its first production that was a mythological show Ramayana. This novel composition combined the features of ballet and puppet play. It presented a folkloristic version of the Ramayana in the manner of the Rajasthani Puppet play. The dance belongs to Orissa and the movements of the human puppets are stylised and all dancers wear square masks on their faces, crowns and headgears are modeled and painted.
The performers created the illusion of the wooden, head- heavy puppet, but gave skilful execution an almost fantastic animation to the faces. The theme of the Ramayana was aptly introduced in the context of a village fair, with peasants and their womenfolk milling around in the excitement of the market. In the background rival showmen are trying to attract revelers to their respective entertainments. The Puppet Masters began to show their marionettes, while the drummer announces the main attraction of the performance. A brief invocation to the spirits of the original characters accompanies the transition from the real life scene of the fair to the puppet stage, and preludes the action.
The Bhopalites enjoyed the show whole-heartedly and excitement. The audiences loved the show. The stage setting and lighting added life in the performance leaving the viewers mesmerised. The troupe was formed by Shanti Bardhan in 1952. Notably, the troupe is performing Indian Ballet from the year 1953 and its first performance was organised at Jai Hind College, Mumbai. Usually, the troupe focuses on mythological series with some innovations in dance steps. Many critics have called them 'a stroke of genius'. The troupe has given performances overseas as well and has received a huge response by the audiences. last year the troupe presented Ramayana as its 439th performance including all national and international performances.